In the past week, Manny Machado was traded to the Dodgers and Brad Hand was sent to the Indians. Could this be the start of a frenetic period leading up to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Might some of the trade proposals that were sent to me by fans on Twitter come to fruition in that time? Find out below as I analyze the best submissions.
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Proposal No. 1 (via @njmlins)
Dodgers get: Right-hander Jacob deGrom
Mets get: Outfielder Alex Verdugo (Dodgers' No. 1 prospect, No. 27 overall, per MLB Pipeline), catcher Keibert Ruiz (Dodgers' No. 2 prospect, No. 44 overall) and right-hander Yadier Alvarez (Dodgers' No. 7 prospect)
You are on the right track for a deal involving deGrom, as the Mets would need a package of prospects similar to the one the White Sox received for Chris Sale in December 2016 (Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Victor Diaz, Luis Alexander Basabe) to trade their ace. We know what deGrom brings to the table. He's an elite starting pitcher who is under control for the next 2 1/2 seasons and would give the Dodgers a major boost now as well as provide insurance in case ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw opts out of his contract at the end of the current campaign.
Who says no? The Dodgers. Los Angeles would likely be unwilling to part with that much young, controllable talent, especially after sending five players to Baltimore in Wednesday's trade for Machado. The Mets also might be unwilling to do this deal, as they don't need extra outfield depth given the way their roster is constructed, making Verdugo a less desirable piece. But a deal involving Ruiz, right-hander Dustin May (the Dodgers' No. 9 prospect) and middle infielder Gavin Lux (the Dodgers' No. 11 prospect) could bring both sides together.
Proposal No. 2 (via @posture90)
Nationals get: Catcher Wilson Ramos and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi
Rays get: Left-hander Nick Raquet (Nationals' No. 12 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) and right-hander Gabe Klobosits (Nationals' No. 14 prospect)
According to recent reports, the Rays have been heavily scouting the Nationals' Minor League system, and the Nats are believed to be interested in a deal for multiple lower-cost pieces -- such as Eovaldi and Ramos -- rather than a blockbuster for right-hander Chris Archer. After missing all of 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Eovaldi has raised his stock significantly since returning in late May. The right-hander has used his cutter more often this year than he ever did before, giving him an effective four-pitch mix (four-seam fastball, splitter, cutter, slider) that has contributed to a 53-to-8 K/BB ratio. Ramos, though, is currently on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, which prevented him from appearing in the All-Star Game and may keep him out beyond July 31.
Who says no? The Rays. If they are giving up two Major League pieces (assuming Ramos is healthy), they can likely get four total prospects based on the current market, and the above package isn't that attractive from Tampa Bay's standpoint. Raquet, a 2017 third-round Draft pick, has posted an unremarkable 1.44 WHIP and 7.4 K/9 rate between Class A and Class A Advanced this season, and he's already 22 years old. Meanwhile, Klobosits may be no more than a middle reliever once he reaches the Majors. Eovaldi alone could command that package, and then the two teams could revisit the Ramos trade discussions when there is more certainty about the catcher's return.
Proposal No. 3 (via @coryjsettoon)
Red Sox get: Right-hander Adam Ottavino and second baseman DJ LeMahieu
Rockies get: Right-hander Mike Shawaryn (Red Sox's No. 9 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), first baseman Josh Ockimey (Red Sox's No. 11 prospect) and left-hander Jhonathan Diaz (Red Sox's No. 28 prospect)
There is no doubt that the Red Sox's two biggest areas of needs are at second base and in the bullpen, and this deal would address both of them. The Rockies are still in the mix in the National League West and NL Wild Card races with their rotation pitching better lately, but they could nonetheless consider moving LeMahieu, who can become a free agent after this season. Garrett Hampson (Colorado's No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), who was called up when LeMahieu went on the disabled list Saturday with a left oblique strain, and top prospect Brendan Rodgers give the Rockies plenty of depth at second base if they decide to trade LeMahieu. However, dealing Ottavino, another free agent to be, would be a non-starter for me, as he has been their most consistent and reliable reliever.
Who says no? The Rockies. Colorado remains in the postseason hunt, and Boston's farm system is weaker than most due to the trades the club has made over the past two years. If the Sox do decide to sell, the Rox would be better served finding a fit elsewhere.

Proposal No. 4 (via @lou_sigillo)
Yankees get: Right-hander Lance Lynn
Twins get: Right-hander Sonny Gray
This is an interesting thought for both teams to consider and one that could make sense if the Yankees think Lynn gives them a better chance than Gray to win a World Series title this season. Gray is under control through 2019, making him more attractive to the Twins than Lynn, who is set to become a free agent in a few months. Both pitchers' numbers seem similar at first glance, but Lynn has looked much better over his past 10 starts (4.30 ERA).
Who says no? The Yankees. While Lynn has pitched better of late, the difference between him and Gray isn't significant enough for New York to give up Gray's remaining year of control. The Yanks can always trade Gray in the offseason if things don't turn around, and they should be able to find a team that thinks Gray can rebound if he gets away from Yankee Stadium, where he has posted a lifetime 6.55 ERA in 15 starts.
Proposal No. 5 (via @RoyaledUp)
Brewers get: Second baseman Whit Merrifield
Royals get: Third baseman Lucas Erceg (Brewers' No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) and right-hander Luis Ortiz (Brewers' No. 4 prospect)
The Brewers clearly need help on the offensive side, particularly in the middle infield. Merrifield fits that criteria, as he's a productive bat (120 OPS+) with a solid glove at second base. Merrifield is also under control through 2022, so Milwaukee may be willing to give up more for him than it was for impending free agent Manny Machado. Acquiring the Royals' second baseman would free up Brad Miller to platoon solely at shortstop with Tyler Saladino.
Who says no? The Brewers. The second-base market has more supply than demand, with James Dozier, Scooter Gennett and even Asdrubal Cabrera among the available options. As a result, Milwaukee should be able to improve its keystone situation without giving up multiple top prospects. Erceg could be the Brewers' long-term answer at the hot corner, and Ortiz has the upside of a No. 3 starter. Milwaukee also needs to address the rotation, especially after Brent Suter was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his left elbow, so it may look to spread out its resources rather than spending so much to upgrade one position.